News article - Style G 1854

The Blues secured a successful end to the season at the weekend with victory against Viadana in Italy to ensure their qualification for the Heineken Cup.

The result is sure to cheer all the Blues fans who follow the team during the highs and lows of the season.

Members of the squad were able to put a smile on young fans faces before the game by taking a breather from training to visit Children's wards at two South Wales Hospitals. Players visited the children at University Hospital Wales in Cardiff and Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil.

As well as having the chance to meet their rugby heroes, the children also received special Blues' giveaways from the team.

Blues' director of coaching Dai Young said: "Despite the knocks and bumps they get on the pitch, our players realise how lucky they are to be fit and up and about.

"Nothing brings this home more than a poorly child in hospital and we hope a visit from some of our players will help to put a smile on their faces."

The players are out and about in the community this week too, most notably, as stars Jamie Robinson and Ben Evans add their weight to the Urdd Eisteddfod in Cardiff Bay.

Throughout the week Cardiff Blues will have a special stand at the event to promote the team and region to younger fans. Coaches as well as players from the senior and Academy squads, will be on hand during the festival to organize coaching sessions, demonstrate their ball-handling skills, sign autographs and distribute club giveaways.